Kidnapped Chapter 30 Summary

Good-bye

  • There's still, of course, an Alan Breck Stewart-shaped problem in all of this: what's Davie supposed to do with his Highland friend?
  • Rankeillor tells Davie that he owes "Mr. Thomson" a debt of honor, so he has to help "Mr. Thomson" out of the country. But as for James Stewart ("Mr. Thomson's kinsman"), he's lost. The Duke of Argyle has a personal grudge against him, and no amount of testimony from Davie will save his life. But Davie still thinks he had better try.
  • Rankeillor is moved by Davie's commitment. He writes Davie a letter of credit to his own bankers so that Davie can draw as much money as he needs to seek justice. Then he writes a letter of introduction to a laird, Mr. Balfour (note that he shares Davie's last name!) of Pilrig, who may be able to advocate for Davie with the Duke of Argyle.
  • Rankeillor suggests that Davie not mention Alan's name when he's talking to this other Mr. Balfour.
  • Alan and Davie head to Edinburgh, in the south. They eventually plan to split up:
  • Alan will hide out in the countryside while Davie looks for an Appin Stewart lawyer who can arrange for Alan's trip to France.
  • They plan to meet again at a set time.
  • Alan and Davie say goodbye.
  • Davie heads into Edinburgh feeling very low and worried about Alan's safety.
  • The novel closes with Davie finding his way to Rankeillor's bank, the British Linen Company.